Obituaries and Death Notices

Information about current and former Wayne County, Indiana residents and community members who have died. These obituaries are gathered from area funeral homes and other sources.

Nina A. Franklin RICHMOND, Ind. – Nina A. Franklin, age 94, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Reid Health. Born September 11, 1925, in Bloomfield, Indiana, to Chalmer Chester and Alma Laughlin Warren, Nina was a 1945 graduate of Bloomfield High School. She moved to Richmond in 1960. Nina and her husband, Gaylord, formerly owned […] — (Posted October 26, 2019)

Jack G. Smith GREENWOOD, Ind. – Jack G. Smith, age 79, formerly of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, October 24, 2019, at his home. Jack was born July 27, 1940, in Richmond, Indiana, to William and Grace Lincoln Smith. He was a 1959 graduate of Richmond High School, where he was a 1958-59 All-State Offensive Tackle for the Red […] — (Posted October 26, 2019)

Catherine Mae Gibson CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Catherine Mae Gibson, age 90, of Centerville, Indiana, died Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Ambassador Healthcare. Born September 29, 1929, in Connersville, Indiana, to Raymond and Florence Glover Morris, Catherine was a 1947 graduate of Connersville High School. She moved to Liberty, Indiana, where she worked as a cook for the Union […] — (Posted October 26, 2019)

Judy A. Canterbury Judy A. Canterbury, 70, of Cambridge City, died at her home on Friday, October 25, 2019, following a brief illness. She was born in Loudon, TN on March 2, 1949 to Eules and Naomi (Lynn) Lambert and lived most of her life in Wayne County. Judy was a 1967 graduate of Lincoln High School, a […] — (Posted October 26, 2019)

Joyce Brower CAMBRIDGE CITY – Joyce Brower, 84, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday October 24, 2019 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana. A daughter of the late Robert Watson and Dortha Mae (Newell) Gift, Joyce was born in Converse, Indiana, on April 6, 1935. Joyce grew up in the first cottage on Tippecanoe Lake, which was built […] — (Posted October 25, 2019)

Paul G. Fisher DUBLIN- Paul G. Fisher, 70, went to heaven holding the hand of God on Thursday October 24, 2019. A son of the late Malcolm and Ruby (Shephard) Fisher, Paul was born in New Castle, Indiana on March 10, 1949. Paul has lived most of his life in the Dublin community and graduated from Lincoln High […] — (Posted October 25, 2019)

Otis L. Busby Jr. Otis L. Busby Jr., known to many as “Buddy,” passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 7:25 a.m. in Warsaw’s Kosciusko Community Hospital. He was 80 years old and a resident of Beaver Dam Lake. Born on June 19, 1939, Buddy was the son of Otis Busby, Sr. and Evelyn (Blankenship) Busby. He was […] — (Posted October 25, 2019)

Sharon Sue “Susie” (Andrews) Farmer Sharon “Susie” Farmer, 72, of Carlos, conquered her earthly battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), taking Jesus’s hand and traveling to her heavenly home Oct. 23, with loving family witnessing her victory. She was born July 9, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Glen and Virginia (Bales) Andrews. She was a 1966 graduate of […] — (Posted October 25, 2019)

Keith Rankin On Sunday, October 20, 2019, Keith Rankin left his earthly home to be with his creator. Keith is survived by his wife Patricia (Weisbrod). Keith and Pat were married for 69 years, and she was truly the love of his life. Keith and Pat had four children – Denise Ward (Indianapolis), Darrell (Sherry) Rankin (Centerville), […] — (Posted October 25, 2019)

Lela Brock Lela Brock, 90, of Richmond passed away October 21, 2019, at Arbor Trace after a brief illness. She was born March 11, 1929, in Lake, Kentucky, to Virgil and Louise Rowland Brock and was a Richmond resident for seventy years. She retired from PRC after twenty-three years and subsequently sold Stanley Home Products, cleaned houses […] — (Posted October 24, 2019)

Betty Louise Remmler Whipple Betty Louise Remmler Whipple, 92, passed away peacefully at Arbor Trace on Monday, October 21, 2019. Betty was born on October 24, 1926, in Greensburg, IN to Clarence and Bessie Lacey Remmler where she spent most of her childhood. Upon graduating from Harrisburg High School, she immediately went to work in Connersville for McQuay Norris. […] — (Posted October 23, 2019)

Hannelore “Honey” F. Lake Hannelore (Honey) F. Lake, age 75, of Richmond, IN, passed away on Monday, 21 October 2019. Honey was from Dinkelsbuhl, Germany and came to the United States as the wife of MSG (Ret.) Thomas Lake (deceased). She is preceded by four sons and survived by her children Thomas (Stella Cook) Lake, James Lake, Karen (Tim) […] — (Posted October 23, 2019)

Gerald L. Elliott RICHMOND, Ind. – Gerald L. Elliott, age 75, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at The Springs of Richmond. Born October 8, 1944, in Richmond, Indiana, to Clyde J. and Helen L. McBrayer Elliott, Gerald was a lifelong resident of this community. He attended Richmond High School and Ivy Tech Community College. Gerald […] — (Posted October 23, 2019)

Samella Hampton-Vanmeter Samella Hampton-Vanmeter was called home to be with the Lord on Friday October 18, 2019. She was born July 22, 1941, in Tuscumbia, AL to the late King Herold and Beatrice Scruggs Bonds. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a long time member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist church after moving to […] — (Posted October 23, 2019)

Carolyn Sue Davidson Carolyn Sue Davidson passed away at Reid Health on October 23, 2019. She was born November 22, 1947, in Richmond, and spent all of her life here. She was a mid-term 1966 graduate of Richmond Senior High. She was a lifelong animal lover and enjoyed nature, art and poetry. She leaves behind a son: Mark […] — (Posted October 23, 2019)

Billy Ray Fields Billy Ray Fields, age 80, passed away at Golden Living Center-Golden Rule on October 22, 2019. He was born November 19, 1938, to Ellis and Virgie Fields in Richmond, Indiana. He leaves to cherish his memory; two sons: Patrick Fields and Eric Walters; and three sisters: Donna Bowers, Phyllis Caucher and Joyce Holt. Graveside services […] — (Posted October 23, 2019)

Oma Gregory DUNREITH- Oma Gregory, 91, passed away at Caroleton Healthcare Center in Connersville, Indiana. A son of the late Wesley and Bessie (Smith) Gregory, Oma was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, on January 18, 1928. Oma moved to Rush and Henry County, Indiana, in 1952 and had lived in Florida and Michigan before moving to Dunreith […] — (Posted October 23, 2019)

Jeanne M. Toschlog CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Jeanne M. Toschlog, age 99, of Centerville, Indiana, died Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Arbor Trace. Born September 13, 1920, in Richmond, Indiana, to Clyde Earl and Almeda Fulks Fleagle, Jeanne was a life-long resident of Wayne County. She was a 1939 graduate of Centerville High School. Jeanne worked at Perfect Circle […] — (Posted October 22, 2019)

Frank Douglas James Frank Douglas James, age 40, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on October 19, 2019. He was born April 21, 1979, to Roy and Pamela James in Richmond, Indiana. Frank had lived in Wayne County all of his life. He loved to fish and spend time with family and friends. He leaves to cherish his […] — (Posted October 22, 2019)

James Howard Dungan PASCAGOULA, Miss. – James Howard Dungan, age 56, of Pascagoula, Mississippi, died Friday, October 18, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family. Born July 16, 1963, in Richmond, Indiana, to Frank and Lorraine Klein Dungan, Jim grew up in this community. He was a 1981 graduate of Richmond High School and earned an associate […] — (Posted October 21, 2019)

Martha Jane Schweizer RICHMOND, Ind. – Martha Jane Schweizer, age 93, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, October 20, 2019, at her home surrounded by family. Born June 30, 1926, in Darke County, Ohio, to Virgil and Lillian Smith Chambers, Martha lived in this area all of her life. She was a driver for Kenart Photography for over 25 […] — (Posted October 21, 2019)

Julia M. Granger Julia M. Granger, 80, of Centerville, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Reid Health in Richmond. She was born on March 27, 1939, in Fayette County, Indiana, and is the daughter of Dewey N. Border and Edith N. May. On July 2, 1966, she married F. Duane Granger at East Side United Methodist […] — (Posted October 21, 2019)

Barney William Napier Barney William Napier, 70, of Boston, passed away October 18, 2019, in his home. He was born April 9, 1949 in Richmond to Woodrow William and Mabel Lucielle Williams Napier and lived here all of his life. Barney was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the Navy. He was retired from the State Hospital and was […] — (Posted October 21, 2019)

Sheila Case Sheila Case, 72, of Lynn, passed away on Thursday, October 17 at Reid Health. She was born in Richmond, Indiana on April 27, 1947, the daughter of Henry “Hank” and Margaret Lock Uhrick. She graduated with the first graduating class of Randolph Southern High School in 1965. Sheila was a bank teller with First Merchants […] — (Posted October 21, 2019)

Jerry Lee Moore MUNCIE- Jerry Lee Moore, 82, passed away on Monday morning, October 14, 2019 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born on March 16, 1937, in Arba, Indiana, the son of Alvin M. and Marie V. (Martin) Moore. Jerry graduated from Whitewater High School in 1955 and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in […] — (Posted October 20, 2019)

Emma Catherine “Cathy” Rodandello Cox RICHMOND, Ind. – Emma Catherine “Cathy” Rodandello Cox, age 75, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones Friday, October 18, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. All who knew her, know that a special place in Heaven awaits her. Cathy was a lady of strong faith and virtue. […] — (Posted October 20, 2019)

Rebecca J. Reeder Rebecca J. Reeder, 70, of New Castle went home to be with the Lord October 17, 2019. She was born March 28, 1949, to O.H. “Bob” and Dorothy (Smith) Rains of New Castle. She was a member of Southside Church of the Nazarene, where she served on the board and a Sunday School Teacher, also […] — (Posted October 20, 2019)

Dana Marie Augustin Music made Dana Augustin happy, whether it was her own or the songs she performed with her church group, or anything by Billy Joel. But she also loved playing games, telling jokes, drawing, painting, woodworking, and hanging out with a cat named Bubba. She was fond of dropping word-for-word quotes from the many obscure old […] — (Posted October 20, 2019)

Fred Daniel Sr. Fred Daniel Sr., 96, of Richmond, died October 17, 2019, at Reid Health. He was born June 28, 1923, in Monticello, Kentucky to Marshall and Lula Belle Raines Daniel and lived here most of his life. He formerly worked at AVCO and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of […] — (Posted October 20, 2019)

Dennis R. Bryant Dennis R. Bryant, 59, of Richmond, passed away on Thursday, October 17 at Reid Health. Born December 9, 1959 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of Walter, Sr. and Helen Lipscomb Simpson Bryant. Dennis attended Northeastern High School. He had formerly worked as a truck driver and also drove a taxi for many years. […] — (Posted October 18, 2019)